Getting a Big Sleep outside

Over 220 brave participants and their dogs finally got the chance to sleep out at Salisbury Cathedral in the name of charity.

Alabaré hosted its Big Sleep event for the 13th time, raising vital funds for their work with the homeless and vulnerable within the local community in Wiltshire.

The event had been postponed due to extreme cold weather last month.

The Big Sleep, which raises awareness of those forced to sleep on the streets and raises much needed funds, sees volunteers spending the night outside, sleeping in the Cloisters at Salisbury Cathedral.

Everyone who had agreed to take part had pledged to raise a minimum of £100 for Alabaré's work with the most vulnerable, but in fact much more has been promised.

This year once again saw dogs to accompany their owners for the night as we again sought to acknowledge the link between those who are forced to live on the streets and their canine companions.

The evening saw support from a number of local schools including Godolphin, Stonehenge and St Joseph’s who braved the event.

Rebecca Mullen, Alabaré’s Fundraising and Development Manager said:"This the 13th time we have held the BIG Sleep and the event is getting more and more popular every year. We are so grateful for the amazing support that we receive as we take a stand against homelessness.

"It was a fantastic evening, which demonstrated Salisbury’s community spirit with a number of the city’s businesses also showing their support. The likes of Boston Tea Party, Greggs and Nicholas & Harris provided donations of food to the participants.

"The Salisbury branch of outdoor clothing store Mountain Warehouse also showed their support by providing discount on warm goods for those taking part, with store manager Mike Storrar amongst those sleeping out."